The Annual meeting of the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) was held August 18-19, 2015 at the Drury Plaza at the Arch Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri. Meeting agenda included the Business session, election of directors, and recognition awards. A Cardinal's Baseball game was enjoyed by attendees as well.
During the business session Board Chairman Keith Heikes noted that the advancement of genetics through genomics has given new meaning, purpose and need for cooperation of NAAB members. This cooperation will allow the industry to maximize the benefit of this tool long into the future.
Heikes stated that the association is in a strong financial position. He also credited a variety of committees as resources in the NAAB Board's decision making process and stressed the point that these committees are vital to the ongoing success of NAAB.Heikes reviewed the evolvement of the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB), its relationship with Agricultural Resource Services (ARS) and the industry. As CDCB has matured in responsibility and staffing, the CDCB Board identified CDCB's core value "as providing premier dairy genetic information and services and industry collaboration".
Dr. Gordon A Doak, NAAB president, reported that the total dairy and beef unit sales for 2014 increased 7.8% to 54,436,129 units. Export unit sales increased 12% to 23,052,262 units. The total dollar value for exports increased 12.34% in 2014, to $173,128,431. He also stated increase in use of genomic sires is demonstrated in the August 2015 Sire Evaluation. Bulls with a status code G (Genomic) represented 60% of the population of bulls with semen for sale.
The Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 year are: Chuck Sattler, Select Sires, Chairman; Dr. Nate Zwald, Alta Genetics, Vice-Chairman; and Jesus Martinez, ABS Global, third member of the Executive Committee; Glen Gilbert, Genex Cooperative; Wayne Glaeser, Glaz-Way Enterprises; Les Hutchens, Reproduction Enterprises; Joel Groskreutz, Accelerated Genetics.
Keith Heikes, was recognized with a Chairman's plaque for his service as Chairman of the Board, and a Retiring Board Member plaque for his six years on the Board of Directors.
9.25.2015
